Method and apparatus for stabbing tubular goods

ABSTRACT

A stabbing apparatus having a substantially planar plate member with a central bore and at least one remote actuated cylinder assembly connected to a single joint elevator or similar clamp. The at least one cylinder assembly can be used to axially align the joint of pipe, and raise or lower the pipe into mating relationship with a set of elevators, fill-up tool, stabbing connection or the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention pertains to a method and apparatus for stabbing tubular goods suspended within the derrick of a rig or other structure.

2. Description of Related Art

After a well has been drilled to a desired depth, pipe called casing is frequently installed in the well and cemented in place. Such casing is usually inserted into a well in a number of separate sections of substantially equal length called “joints.” The joints are typically screwed together or otherwise joined end-to-end at the rig floor of a drilling rig in order to form a substantially continuous “string” of pipe that reaches downward into the ground. As the bottom or distal end of the pipe string extends further into a well, additional sections of pipe are added to the upper end of the pipe string on the drilling rig.

The process of installing a string of pipe in a well is typically commenced by lowering a first section of pipe into a wellbore at the rig floor, and suspending said section of pipe in place using a set of “lower slips.” In this position, the uppermost end of said first section of pipe is generally situated a few feet above the rig floor. Thereafter, a second section of pipe is lifted within a drilling rig derrick and suspended vertically within said derrick; the second section of pipe is then positioned in linear alignment above the first section of pipe which was previously run into the well. The lower end of said second section is then connected to the upper end of said first section. Once joined, the two sections of pipe are lowered further into the well and hung in place within the well using lower slips. This process is repeated until the desired length of pipe is run into the well.

It is generally the custom of the oil and gas industry to insert sections of pipe into a wellbore so that male or “pin” end threaded connections face downward, while female or “box” end connections face upward. Thus, when individual joints of pipe are added to a string of pipe in a well in the manner described above, the pin end of the second/upper joint of pipe (which is suspended within a derrick) is typically “stabbed” into the box end of the lower joint (which is suspended in the well bore). The upper joint is then rotated so that the mating threads of the two joints join together. However, this connection process can be reversed if needed.

On conventional drilling rigs (i.e., those rigs not equipped with top drive systems), a joint of casing is typically hoisted into the derrick from a v-door or pipe rack using an auxiliary lifting system. Such joint is linearly aligned with the pipe suspended within the well below, stabbed into the upward-facing box end connector of such lower pipe, and rotated using power tongs to make up the threaded connection. Thereafter the traveling block of the rig is lowered to a point near the upper end of such upper pipe joint, so that elevators attached to said traveling block can grip said upper pipe joint. Although many functions in this process can be automated, personnel must frequently be stationed in an elevated position within the derrick (such as on a board or the like), and must reach out toward the center of the derrick to perform certain tasks such as aligning the elevators with the upper end of the pipe joint, or manipulating the hanging pipe and/or elevators.

On rigs equipped with top drive systems, running tools (RT) have become increasingly popular in recent years in connection with the installation of casing into wells. Such RT's can be used to pick up and stab joints of casing, eliminating the necessity for personnel to be located at an elevated location on a rig, such as on a casing stabbing board in the derrick.

In most cases, a RT is connected immediately below a rig's top drive unit prior to commencement of casing operations. A single-joint elevator, supported by a RT, is typically used to lift individual joints of casing from a V-door or pipe rack to a vertical suspended position within a derrick. After being lifted into this position, said joint of casing is stabbed into an upward-facing joint of pipe already installed in a well and suspended from lower “spider” slips at the rig floor. At that point, the top drive and attached RT are lowered until the RT “stabs into” the bore of the new joint of pipe being added. The slips of the RT are set on the joint of casing, and the top drive is actuated to apply the required torque (through the RT) to make up the casing connection. At times, during the lowering of the pipe string into the well, the pipe string can be rotated and/or reciprocated from the top of the string using the top drive to facilitate installation in the well.

Numerous devices have been developed to assist in the alignment and interconnection of joints of elongated pipe and other tubular goods used in the drilling and completion of oil and gas wells. Many of these devices employ means for gripping a joint of pipe while it is suspended within a derrick. Force is then applied to the suspended pipe joint until it is oriented in linear alignment with pipe which has already been inserted in such wellbore. Such devices are typically cumbersome and heavy, and must be attached to a rig derrick or other support structure that was not specifically designed for supporting such equipment.

Thus, there is a need for a method and apparatus for stabbing tubular goods that are suspended at high elevations including, without limitation, in the derrick of a drilling rig. The method and apparatus for stabbing tubular goods should reduce problems associated with current methods of stabbing pipe within a drilling rig derrick. The method and apparatus should be automated, reliable, effective, versatile, and should reduce or eliminate the need for stationing personnel at unsafe locations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In the preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a substantially planar plate member having a central bore or aperture. When attached to a set of slip-type elevators, said central bore or aperture is positioned in alignment with the bore of said elevators. At least one cylinder is connected to said plate member; in the preferred embodiment, two cylinders are employed and positioned generally lateral to said elevators. Said cylinders, which can be hydraulically or pneumatically actuated, can be extended or retracted in a substantially axial direction. Further, such cylinders can be simultaneously or independently actuated to adjust the positioning of pipe connected to said cylinders.

In the preferred embodiment, said cylinders can be hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders. When utilized in connection with conventional slip-type elevators or RT's, the apparatus of the present invention can be used to pull a joint of pipe upward into mating relationship with a nose of a fill-up tool, stabbing connection or the like. At that point, said slip-type elevators can be lowered over the pipe in order to grip said pipe. Similarly, when an RT is being used, said RT can be lowered until it is able to grip the pipe (either internally or externally, depending on the particular RT being used).

Advantages of the present invention include, but are not limited to, the following:

-   -   the present invention can replace bulky, expensive, cumbersome         and dangerous existing stabbing devices including, without         limitation, those used in connection with RT's;     -   the present invention can retrofit to virtually any and all         existing casing and tubing slip-type elevators;     -   the present invention can be used in conjunction with virtually         all casing elevators while running or pulling pipe;     -   the present invention comprises an automated system to properly         self-center pipe when said pipe is picked up, lowered and/or         stabbed;     -   cylinders/pistons of the present invention can be actuated         independently or simultaneously;     -   permits auto balancing of the system by monitoring pressures and         setting pressures on lifting arms for proper maneuverability of         pipe while said pipe is hanging, and also during lowering and/or         stabbing operations;     -   replaces personnel stationed at elevated or unsafe positions         including, without limitation, within the derrick;     -   highly interchangeable with existing methods of lifting and         manipulating tubular goods;     -   allows a driller/operator to lower pipe to a make-up position         without requiring pipe to be stabbed from a driller's console or         other difficult remote location;     -   positions cylinders/pistons in proper location, away from bails,         to minimize risks and damages from stacking out tools and top         drive;     -   permits use of standard single joint elevators to perform         operations;     -   positioning of plate member on top of elevators ensures load on         elevator is minimized;     -   plate member has hole pattern permitting use on virtually all         standard slip-type elevators, either flat, raised or sunken into         the elevator body;     -   positioning and design of plate member (having cut-away area)         ensures no interference of slips moving in and out of elevator         body;     -   automatically centers pipe and stabs into single joint elevator         to pick-up into fill-up tool and other lifting equipment, nose         or stabbing connection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS/FIGURES

The foregoing summary, as well as any detailed description of the preferred embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the drawings and figures contained herein. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, the drawings and figures show certain preferred embodiments. It is understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific methods and devices disclosed in such drawings or figures.

FIG. 1 depicts a side perspective view of the stabbing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a side view of the stabbing apparatus of the present invention utilized on a set of conventional slip-type elevators.

FIG. 3 depicts a side view of the stabbing apparatus of the present invention utilized in connection with a casing running tool suspended within a drilling rig derrick.

FIG. 4 depicts a side view of the stabbing apparatus of the present invention utilized in connection with a casing running tool suspended within a drilling rig derrick.

FIG. 5 depicts a side view of the stabbing apparatus of the present invention utilized in connection with a casing running tool suspended within a drilling rig derrick prior to the stabbing of a section of pipe.

FIG. 6 depicts a side view of the stabbing apparatus of the present invention utilized in connection with a casing running tool suspended within a drilling rig derrick following the stabbing of a section of pipe.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIG. 1, stabbing apparatus assembly 100 the present invention comprises substantially planar plate member 10 having a central bore 11 extending through said plate member 10. In the preferred embodiment, first cylinder assembly 20 and second cylinder assembly 30 are connected to said plate member 10. Although it is to be observed that the configuration and number of said cylinder assemblies can vary for different applications without departing from the scope of this invention, in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1 cylinder assemblies 20 and 30 are aligned on opposite sides of central bore 11 of plate member 10; that is, cylinder assemblies 20 and 30 are phased 180-degrees relative to each other around central bore 11. Further, the longitudinal axes of cylinder assemblies 20 and 30 are oriented substantially perpendicular to substantially planar plate member 10.

Cylinder assembly 30 generally comprises piston 32 which is movably disposed within outer barrel 31. Attachment member 33 having eyelet 34 is disposed at the distal end of piston 32. Similarly, cylinder assembly 20 generally comprises piston 22 which is movably disposed within outer barrel 21. Attachment member 23 having eyelet 24 is disposed at the distal end of piston 22. Cylinder assemblies 20 and 30 can be hydraulically or pneumatically actuated, such that pistons 22 and 32 can be axially extended or retracted relative to barrels 21 and 31, respectively. Further, cylinder assemblies 20 and 30 can beneficially be simultaneously or independently actuated.

In the preferred embodiment, bore 11 extending through substantially planar plate member 10 includes at least one notch or cut-out section 12. When installed on conventional slip-type elevators (as described in detail below), said at least one cut-out section 12 permits slips to open and close without interference from plate member 10. Further, threaded bolts or other fasteners can be installed within apertures 13 to connect said plate member 10 to a set of elevators.

FIG. 2 depicts a side view of stabbing apparatus 100 of the present invention installed on a set of conventional slip-type elevators 200. As depicted in FIG. 2, said elevators 200 are suspended from a movable traveling block (not pictured in FIG. 2) within a rig derrick using bails 201, which are connected at their lower end to attachment ear members 202 of elevator 200.

Still referring to FIG. 2, plate member 10 is affixed to elevators using threaded bolts 14, with central bore 11 (not visible in FIG. 2) of plate member 10 being substantially aligned with a central bore of said elevators 200. First cylinder assembly 20 and second cylinder assembly 30 are connected to said plate member 10 such that the longitudinal axes of said cylinder assemblies 20 and 30 are oriented substantially perpendicular to substantially planar plate member 10.

Cylinder assembly 30 generally comprises outer barrel 31 and piston 32. Attachment member 33 having eyelet 34 is disposed at the distal end of piston 32. Similarly, cylinder assembly 20 generally comprises outer barrel 21 and piston 22. Attachment member 23 having eyelet 24 is disposed at the distal end of piston 22. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, extension link members 40 are attached to eyelets 24 and 34 at the upper ends of said extension link members 40. The lower ends of said extension link members are connected to gripping apparatus, such as single joint elevator 50 (or other clamp member that can be used to grip a single joint or section of pipe) which are gripping pipe section 300.

FIG. 3 depicts a side view of stabbing apparatus 100 of the present invention utilized in connection with a casing running tool (RT) assembly 250 suspended within a drilling rig derrick 210. Said casing RT 250 is connected to top drive assembly 220, which is movably disposed within rig derrick 210. Top drive assemblies, such as top drive assembly 220 depicted in FIG. 3, typically move vertically within a rig derrick, permit the transfer or torque to tubular goods, and are well known to those having skill in the art.

Still referring to FIG. 3, stabbing apparatus assembly 100 of the present invention comprises substantially planar plate member 10 having a central bore 11 (not shown in FIG. 3) extending through said plate member 10. In the preferred embodiment, said plate member 10 is affixed to RT assembly 250. First cylinder assembly 20 and second cylinder assembly 30 are connected to said plate member 10 such that the longitudinal axes of said cylinder assemblies 20 and 30 are oriented substantially perpendicular to substantially planar plate member 10, and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of pipe section 300.

Piston 32 of cylinder assembly 30 extends from outer barrel 31, while piston 22 of cylinder assembly 20 extends from outer barrel 21. As depicted in FIG. 3, said pistons 32 and 22 are substantially fully extended. Extension link members 40 are attached to eyelets 24 and 34 at their upper ends. In the preferred embodiment, extension link members 40 can be cables, wire ropes or other connection means having desired strength and flexibility characteristics. The lower ends of said extension link members are connected to single joint elevator 50 which can be used to grip pipe section 300. Said pipe section 300 is in substantially axial alignment with lower pipe section 310 (previously run into a well) and supported by lower slip assembly 230 at rig floor 211.

FIG. 4 depicts a side view of stabbing apparatus 100 of the present invention utilized in connection with casing RT 250 suspended within drilling rig derrick 210. Said casing RT 250 is connected to top drive assembly 220, which is movably disposed within rig derrick 210. Plate-member 10 is affixed to RT assembly 250, with first cylinder assembly 20 and second cylinder assembly 30 connected to said plate member 10 such that the longitudinal axes of said cylinder assemblies 20 and 30 are oriented substantially perpendicular to substantially planar plate member 10, and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of pipe section 300.

Extension link members 40 are attached to eyelets 24 and 34 at their upper ends. The lower ends of said extension link members are connected to single joint elevator 50 which is gripping pipe section 300. As depicted in FIG. 4, said pistons 32 and 22 are retracted or collapsed. Pipe section 300 is in substantially axial alignment with lower pipe section 310 which was previously run into a well and is supported by lower slip assembly 230 at rig floor 211.

FIG. 5 depicts a side view of stabbing apparatus 100 of the present invention utilized in connection with casing RT 250 suspended within a drilling rig derrick prior to the stabbing of a section of pipe 300. RT 250 has lower extension 251 which can be an arbor or mandrel such as an RT fill-up tool and/or pipe gripping assembly, which RT components are well known to those having ordinary skill in the art. As depicted in FIG. 6, said pistons 32 and 22 are shown as being substantially extended.

FIG. 6 depicts a side view of the stabbing apparatus 100 of the present invention utilized in connection with casing RT 250 suspended within a drilling rig derrick following the stabbing of a section of pipe 300. As depicted in FIG. 6, said pistons 32 and 22 are retracted or collapsed, allowing pipe section 300 to be drawn upward toward RT 250 and stabbed in mating relationship with RT 250 (and, more particularly, lower extension 251 thereof).

Referring back to FIG. 3, the process of installing tubular goods (such as, for example, a casing string) in a well is typically commenced by lowering a first section of pipe 310 into a wellbore at rig floor 211, and suspending said section of pipe 310 in place within said well using a set of lower slips 230. In FIG. 3, said lower slips are depicted as hand slips; however, it is to be observed that said lower slips are frequently automated “spider slips” embodying designs that are well known to those having skill in the art. In this position, the uppermost end of said first section of pipe 310 is generally situated above rig floor 211.

Thereafter, a (second) section of pipe 300 is gripped by single joint elevator 50 and lifted within drilling rig derrick 210, typically by raising top drive unit 220. Said single joint elevator 50 is connected to cylinder assemblies 20 and 30 via extension link members 40. In this position, pipe section 300 is suspended vertically within derrick 210 in axial alignment with pipe section 310 that was previously installed in said well.

Referring to FIG. 5, in this position pipe section 300 is suspended by stabbing apparatus 100 below RT 250, wherein cylinder assemblies 20 and 30 of stabbing apparatus 100 are in a substantially extended position. Cylinder assemblies 20 and 30 can be remotely actuated, causing pistons 22 and 32 to retract into cylinder barrels 21 and 31, respectively. Actuation of said cylinder assemblies 20 and 30 of stabbing apparatus 100 causes pipe section 300 to move in an upward direction toward RT 250. If desired, it is to be observed that said cylinder assemblies 20 and 30 can be actuated simultaneously, or separately in order to adjust alignment of pipe section 300.

As depicted in FIG. 6, extension 251 of RT 250 “stabs into” and is received within the bore of suspended pipe section 300. Although RT 250 is depicted having an extension 251 that is internally received within the bore of pipe section 300, it is to be observed that stabbing apparatus 100 of the present invention can also be efficiently and effectively used with RT's and/or other equipment having means of contacting and/or mating with an external pipe surface (such as the outer surface of pipe section 300). Once pipe section 300 is stabbed, slips of RT 250 can be engaged to grip pipe section 300, and torque can be applied to pipe section 300 to make up the threaded casing connection with pipe section 310.

As discussed herein and as depicted in the drawings, stabbing apparatus 100 comprises substantially planar plate member 10. However, it is to be observed that in some circumstances, said substantially planar plate member 10 may not easily or efficiently mate with components of equipment embodying certain designs (such as, for example, casing running tools). In such instances, it may be possible to utilize the other elements of stabbing tool 100, but not said substantially planar plate member, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, it is to be observed that stabbing apparatus 100 can also be utilized in connection with conventional slip-type elevators 200 such as, for example, when a top drive or RT is not being used. Pipe stabbing apparatus 100 of the present invention can be used to pull pipe section 300 upward into close proximity to a set of conventional slip-type elevators 200. Said slip-type elevators 200 can be lowered a relatively short distance over the upper end of pipe section 300. Once said pipe section 300 is received within the central bore of elevators 200, slips can be actuated in order to grip said pipe 300. As noted above, plate member 10 has a hole pattern that permits use with virtually all standard slip-type elevator designs, whether flat, raised or sunken into an elevator body. Further, positioning of plate member 10, as well as cut-out sections 12, ensures that stabbing apparatus 100 does not interfere with slips moving in and out of elevator body 200.

Stabbing apparatus 100 of the present invention can replace bulky, expensive, cumbersome and dangerous existing stabbing devices including, without limitation, those used in connection with casing installation operations and RT's. Further, stabbing apparatus 100 can be used with virtually all elevator designs, and can conveniently retrofit to virtually any and all existing casing and tubing slip-type elevators. Importantly, stabbing apparatus 100 reduces or eliminates the need for stationing personnel at elevated or unsafe positions including, without limitation, within a drilling rig derrick. Moreover, stabbing apparatus 100 and the method described herein allows a driller/operator to lower pipe to a make-up position without requiring pipe to be stabbed from a driller's console or other difficult remote location.

The above-described invention has a number of particular features that should preferably be employed in combination, although each is useful separately without departure from the scope of the invention. While the preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown and described herein, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise than herein specifically illustrated or described, and that certain changes in form and arrangement of parts and the specific manner of practicing the invention may be made within the underlying idea or principles of the invention. 

1. A stabbing apparatus comprising: a) a substantially planar plate member having a central bore extending therethrough; b) at least one cylinder assembly, wherein the longitudinal axis of each such at least one cylinder assembly is oriented substantially perpendicular to said substantially planar plate member; c) a gripping apparatus adapted to grip a section of pipe; and d) a link member connecting said at least one cylinder assembly to said gripping apparatus.
 2. The stabbing apparatus of claim 1, wherein said stabbing apparatus is mounted to slip-type elevators having a central bore, and said central bore of said substantially planar plate member is substantially aligned with said central bore of said elevators.
 3. The stabbing apparatus of claim 1, wherein said stabbing apparatus is mounted to a casing running tool having a lower extension, wherein said at least one cylinder assembly is oriented substantially parallel to said lower extension.
 4. The stabbing apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one cylinder assembly is hydraulically actuated.
 5. The stabbing apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one cylinder assembly is pneumatically actuated.
 6. A method of running pipe with a casing running tool comprising: a. mounting a stabbing apparatus to said casing running tool, wherein said stabbing apparatus comprises: i) at least one cylinder assembly oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of said casing running tool; ii) a gripping apparatus; and iii) at least one link member connecting said at least one cylinder assembly to said gripping apparatus; b. gripping a pipe section with said gripping apparatus; c. actuating at least one cylinder assembly to move said pipe section toward said casing running tool; and d. gripping said pipe section with said casing running tool.
 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising the step of stabbing a portion of said casing running tool into the central bore of said pipe section.
 8. The method of claim 6, further comprising the step of stabbing a portion of said casing running tool over the outer surface of said pipe section.
 9. A method of running pipe with a set of slip-type elevators comprising: a. mounting a stabbing apparatus to said slip-type elevators having a central bore, wherein said stabbing apparatus comprises: i) a substantially planar plate member having a central bore extending therethrough, wherein the central bore of said plate member is substantially aligned with the central bore of said elevators; ii) at least one cylinder assembly, wherein the longitudinal axis of each such at least one cylinder assembly is oriented substantially perpendicular to said substantially planar plate member; iii) a gripping apparatus adapted to grip a section of pipe; and iv) a link member connecting said at least one cylinder assembly to said gripping apparatus; b. gripping a pipe section with said gripping apparatus; c. actuating at least one cylinder assembly to move said pipe section toward the central bore of said slip-type elevators; and d. gripping said pipe section with said slip-type elevators.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein said at least one cylinder assembly is hydraulically actuated.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein said at least one cylinder assembly is pneumatically actuated.
 12. The method of claim 9, wherein said gripping apparatus comprises single joint elevators. 